Definitions

Surveying:

Surveying is the technique and science of accurately determining the terrestrial or three-
dimensional space position of points and the distances and angles between them. These
points are usually, but not exclusively, associated with positions on the surface of the
Earth, and are often used to establish land maps and boundaries for ownership or
governmental purposes. In order to accomplish their objective, surveyors use elements of
geometry, engineering, mathematics, physics, and law.

Topography:

Topography specifically involves the recording of relief or terrain, the three-dimensional

aspect of the surface, and the identification of specific landforms. This is also known as
geomorphometry. In modern usage, this involves generation of elevation data in
electronic form. It is often considered to include the graphic representation of the
landform on a map by a variety of techniques, including contour lines, Hypsometric tints,
and relief shading

Hypsometric tinting is a technique of showing elevation, related to contour lines. Bands

of color between lines of equal elevation are colored, usually in a graduated color
scheme. Conventional color schemes for hypsometric tints begin with dark greens at low
elevations, progressing through yellows and ocher’s, to browns and then grays and white
at the highest elevations. Hypsometric tinting in maps is often accompanied by
bathymetric tinting in oceans, which indicates depths using a similar method.

Shaded relief (also known as hill shading) is a technique of terrain representation used
by cartographers to convey an impression of a landform by employing light and dark
shading to highlight topographic features. The use of illumination and shadow to produce
an appearance of three-dimensional space on a flat-surfaced map closely parallels the
artistic element of chiaroscuro.

Site:

The place where a structure or group of structures was, is, or is to be located, A plot of
land prepared for or underlying a structure or development. The location of a property.

Plot:

a. A small piece of ground, generally used for a specific purpose: a garden

plot.
b. A measured area of land; a lot.
Region:

A large, usually continuous segment of a surface or space

A large, indefinite portion of the earth's surface.

A specified district or territory.

An area, division, or district of administration. Also: A land surface with common

geographical or topographical characteristics.

Site Planning:

Site planning in landscape architecture and architecture refers to the organizational stage
of the landscape design process. It involves the organization of land use zoning, access,
circulation, privacy, security, shelter, land drainage, and other factors. This is done by
arranging the compositional elements of landform, planting, water, buildings and paving
and building.

Site planning generally begins by assessing a potential site for development through site
analysis. Information about slope, soils, hydrology, vegetation, parcel ownership,
orientation, etc. are assessed and mapped. By determining areas that are poor for
development (such as floodplain or steep slopes) and better for development, the planner
or architect can assess optimal location and design a structure that works within this
space.

Site Analysis:

Site Analysis is an inventory completed as a preparatory step to site planning, which

involves research, analysis, and synthesis. It primarily deals with basic data as it relates to
a specific site.

Site Analysis Elements:

Numerous elements go into a given site analysis. These elements include location,
neighborhood context, site and zoning, legal elements, natural physical features, man-
made features, circulation, utilities, sensory, human and cultural, and climate